Governments should grasp gender-responsive budgeting as an opportunity to address systemic gender disparities

Gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) should be seen by policymakers and governments as a key tool for driving inclusive growth and systemic change. In new research, Gender-responsive budgeting: unlocking the potential, global accountancy body ACCA draws on the experience of professional accountants and leaders across Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East.

Joe Fitzsimons, senior manager, Policy and insights, ACCA, said: “This report offers critical insights into the strategies and tools that facilitate the effective adoption of GRB across government agencies and state-owned organisations. Accountants have a vital role in the application of GRB using their skills and knowledge of data analysis, budgetary techniques and policy advocacy. They can also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of GRB implementation.  Governments are increasingly turning to GRB as they pursue more equitable and just societies.”

The Middle East Institute has recommended that the full participation of women on national adoption plans represents a key opportunity to develop gender-response policies and actions.  

Kush Ahuja, Head of Middle East and Eurasia, ACCA, said: “At ACCA we demonstrate the profession’s ability to lead in addressing the world’s more pressing issues. We look forward to working with government, policymakers, business and other stakeholders to see how GRB can be adopted as a force for good in the region.”

The report recommends policy makers adopt the following to move towards implementing GRB:

• Build institutional capacity and awareness
• Strengthen data collection and analysis
• Learn from best practice and benchmark against peers
• Establish inter-ministerial collaboration and partnerships
• Champion gender-balanced leadership and decision-making.

Jessica Bingham, Global Sustainability Lead - Strategy, ACCA, said: “Incorporating gender considerations into budgetary processes enables governments to ensure that resources are allocated in a way that meets the diverse needs of all. This in turn promotes fairness but also lays the foundations required for sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. Policymakers have an opportunity to embrace GRB and ensure it is a fundamental component of their strategies creating a more equitable future for all.”

Read the report here.

Find out how ACCA promotes gender equality: watch ACCA’s women president, deputy president and vice president in conversation with three aspiring ACCA women students as they celebrate IWD by talking about diversity, equality and inclusivity and what they all find inspiring about a career in accountancy.

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